Cats come in all shapes and sizes, but few are as captivating as the big cat breeds of domestic homes. These gentle giants combine the elegance of a small cat with the strong confidence of big ones.
Plus, these large cats still desire the same things small ones do. They’re just as needy and sensitive, which means caring for them won’t be a huge difference in its entirety.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the biggest cat breeds in the world. We’ll feature each domestic cat and explain the basics of their history, temperament, and care needs.
Maine Coon
Weight: 4.5-11 kg
Height: 25-40 cm
Maine Coons are considered the biggest cats in the world. Still, these big cats remain gentle and calm in nature. They have long tufted ears and bushy tails, giving their appearance a majestic look.
Originating from the cold, forested state of Maine in the northeastern United States, these cats evolved to withstand harsh winters. Along with this, these cats are playful companions who love hanging out with their owners and families.
When taking care of a Maine Coon, they mostly need regular brushing to help clean their thick coats, especially during seasonal shedding. They also need daily playtime and exercise, so provide a lot of toys and fun activities.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Weight: 3-9 kg
Height: 23-30 cm
The Norwegian Forest cat is a majestic, long-haired breed with a rich history starting in Norway. They are known for their dense, water-resistant double coat, which was how they were able to thrive in the icy Scandinavian wilderness.
They were once natural hunters and mousers, helping families and houses. Plus, these large cats are friendly, loyal, and affectionate companions, which is why they became a huge favorite of families and homes.
Despite their wild appearance, Norwegian Forest cats are calm and sociable, which means they need regular human interaction. However, they can be independent at times, so they can handle some alone time. When it comes to their coat care, they need a brush every 2 to 3 times a week.
Siberian Cat
Weight: 3.5-10 kg
Height: 23-28 cm
The Siberian cat is a powerful and fluffy feline that embodies the spirit of its homeland, Russia. It has a dense, triple-layer coat that covers its athletic build. This cat is often considered a cousin to the Norwegian Forest cat, and the thought does have a point, considering they’re both big cats.
This cat’s history dates back a thousand years in the forests of Siberia, where it survived the harshest of winters thanks to its coat. They were natural hunters adored by families in the area, prized for keeping rats away from monasteries.
Siberians are intelligent, playful, and affectionate cats that enjoy interacting with people. They have a lot of energy and a need for climbing, exploring, and playing, so toys and regular activity are helpful. When it comes to their coat, brushing twice a week is recommended.
Bengal Cat
Weight: 3.6-7 kg
Height: 20-25 cm
The Bengal cat is a big cat breed that combines wild beauty and domestic charm. These cats sport a unique leopard-like pattern that goes extremely well with their sleek and muscular build. These cats were bred to capture the elegance of the Asian Leopard cat while being as friendly as a housecat.
This cat's story began in the 1960s. Here, breeds from the US crossed domestic shorthairs with the wild Asian Leopard cat. This paved the way for Bengals, popular for their unique beauty and social personality.
Bengals are big cats with huge amounts of energy. They need avenues to release these energies and activities to stimulate their minds. These include climbing, exploring, and playing. For brushing, this can be done at least once a week.
Persian Cat
Weight: 3.2-6.8 kg
Height: 20-25 cm
The Persian cat is a great family pet with a round face, expressive eyes, and a long coat. They are one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. Plus, they look big because of their plush coats. These cats are popular for their gentle nature, relaxing vibe, and affectionate personality.
The Persian cat’s origins trace back to ancient Persia, where they were prized by royalty and nobility. They were then brought over to Europe, where their distinct appearance was refined. Persians are one of the oldest and most celebrated cat breeds in the world, and for good reason.
These big-looking cats prefer lounging at home rather than doing any physical activity. However, they can still benefit a lot from short sessions of playtime and bonding. For grooming, Persians need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, helping them feel comfortable at home.
Ragdoll Cat
Weight: 3.6-9.1 kg
Height: 23-28 cm
Another popular big cat breed is the Ragdoll. These cats are known for their striking blue eyes and relaxed personalities. They are considered one of the most affectionate cats around because they are extremely clingy.
This cat breed was initially developed in California by Ann Baker. She aimed to create a large cat with an even larger capacity for love and affection. Today, this big cat breed has been one of the favorites for every home.
Ragdolls are social cats that thrive on human companionship and gentle play. But they’re not overly active, so light play and exercise work best. Because their coat is quite long, brushing at least twice a week will help them stay happy and relaxed.
Ragamuffin Cat
Weight: 4.5-9 kg
Height: 25-38 cm
The Ragamuffin cat is a big bundle of love known for its plush coat and sweet expression. They are often mistaken for Ragdoll cats, which is a separate breed. These gentle giants are incredibly affectionate and loyal cats, preferring regular human interactions.
The Ragamuffin was developed in the 1990s as breeders wanted a more diverse gene pool and a bigger variety of coat colors and patterns. The result was a beautiful cat with a silky coat and a pleasing personality. Because of these features, they easily became a famous option for homes.
Ragamuffins are calm, gentle, and incredibly people-oriented. They love being held, cuddled, and will often follow their owners around the house. When it comes to grooming, they do need regular brushing because their thick coat can easily catch debris and tangles.
Savannah Cat
Weight: 5.4-11.3 kg
Height: 23-28 cm
The Savannah cat is an exotic and striking big domestic cat breed known for its tall and slender frame. It also sports a stunning spotted coat with long legs and large ears. They originated in the 1980s when breeders from the United States crossed the African Serval with a domestic cat.
Because of their wild beauty, affectionate personality, and high intelligence, they easily became favorites for many pet owners. They can also form strong bonds with families, making them great family pets.
These cats are incredibly active and curious, which means they need constant physical and mental stimulation. Savannahs benefit a lot from regular playtime, tree climbing, and short walks. They also need weekly brushing sessions to maintain their exotic and unique coat.
Turkish Van
Weight: 3-9 kg
Height: 23-28 cm
One of the biggest cat breeds in this list is the Turkish Van, a rare and fascinating breed with an equally fascinating love for water. These cats are very playful, while sporting a soft coat and a muscular build.
The breed came to be from the Lake Van region in Eastern Turkey, a mountainous area with a harsh climate. They even evolved a water-resistant coat and a strong body. Turkish Vans have been companions of people for many years, with some even calling them the “swimming cat.”
Being friendly and intelligent, these large cats need a lot of human interaction. They can benefit a lot from regular sessions of playing, climbing, and exploring, so adding new toys and cat trees is important. When grooming, they need weekly brushing sessions.
Chausie Cat
Weight: 5.5-10 kg
Height: 35.5-46 cm
The Chausie cat is a sleek and athletic cat that sports a wild look and exotic beauty. They have pointed ears, striking cheekbones, and beautiful eyes. These cats are often in dark coat colors.
The Chausie’s origins date back to ancient Egypt. They were occasionally bred with domestic cats to create a family-friendly hybrid. But despite their wild appearance, these cats are incredibly loyal and affectionate, which is why they have become favorites of many pet owners.
Chausies are active, intelligent, and highly social cats that love interacting with humans and playing with them. They have high physical and mental stimulation needs, so owners should be ready. When it comes to their coat, they need brushing at least once a week.
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